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Liesel Steals the Grave Digger's Handbook
After her brother dies, they stop in a small town to bury him. During the burial, the grave digger's apprentice drops his copy of "The Grave Digger's Handbook". Liesel promptly steals this book, which sets her off on her tract of thievery. I chose this event because I think that this was kind of a "gateway" crime to her other thefts. -
Liesel Arrives at the Hubermanns' Home
Because of Liesel's mother's inability to take care of her and her brother, she takes them to live with a foster family. However, her brother dies on the way there in the train, due to a
undefined sickness. After burying him in a small town, she and her mother finish the journey alone. So, Liesel goes to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann, much to her protest. If Leslie hadn't moved to the Huberman's, nothing that happened in the book would have happened. That is why I chose this event. -
Liesel Beats up the Two Boys.
At her new school, there is a spelling test. Liesel cannot read very well, which is quite a problem. So, Liesel does her best. Her miserable attempt at reading prompts bullying from her classmates. Liesel responds two this by beating the snot out of two of them, after which nobody teases her again. I think that this was the turning point for Liesel going from a sad little girl that got pushed around to strong, independent girl. -
Liesel Learns to Read With Hans
Liesel continuously wakes up screaming in terror. To help her go to sleep, Hans would stay up with her. One night, she wet the bed. When Hans removed the sheets, he found her stolen copy of "The Gravedigger's Handbook". So, he offers to help her learn to read when she wakes up. This eventually leads them to reading in the basement, and using the wall as a blackboard to learn new words. I think it is this that help grows the bond between Liesel and Hans, which is key to the story. -
Liesel Steals her Second Book
Mulching, the town were Liesel lives, holds a burning in honor of Hitler's birthday. The citizens of Mulching burn any and all materials that dishonor Hitler's agenda. Afterwards, Liesel sees three books, and impulsive steals one. She thinks she got away with it, but in actuality, the mayor's wife saw her. I think this even is very important because if she had not stolen the book, the mayor's wife would not have seen her, and other important events would not have occurred. -
Liesel is Invited to the Mayor's Library
In response to seeing Liesel steal the book from the burning, the mayor's wife, Ilsa, invites Liesel into her library. At first, Liesel can only look. But as she visits more often, she soon dives into the vast store of knowledge and stories. She most often reads a book called The Whistler. I think this event is important because it furthers Liesel's love of reading, and also gives her grounds for her second thieving. -
Max Arrives at the Hubermann's Residence
One night, a young Jewish man appears at the doorstep of the Hubermann's house. We learn that he was offered sanctuary there by Hans, and is hidden in the basement. I think that this event was important because Max is a key character, and is a good friend to Liesel. -
Liesel Steals The Whistler
Liesel goes to pick up the laundry from the mayor's house, but gets a nasty surprise; the mayor has decided to fire Liesel's mother. This very much enrages Liesel, and despite the mayor's wife's offer to continue to visit and read, vows to not ever again. However, she decides to steal the book she was reading, The Whistler, as she does not want to give it up. I think that this event is important because it begins Liesel's darker chain of events. -
Rudy Saves The Whistler for Liesel
Right after Liesel steals The Whistler from Ilsa, a group of boys see them walking home with it. The begin to harass and bully them, and throw her book off a bridge and into the frigged canal. Rudy, being the ever-so-chivalrous boy that he is, wades into the freezing water to save it for Liesel, and promptly asks for a kiss in return. I think that this event is important because it is the event that shows how Rudy really feels for Liesel, and how Liesel may feel for Rudy. -
Max Falls Unconscience
One day, after Liesel brings snow downstairs to the basement for Max to enjoy, he becomes very ill, and becomes comatose. This is a very troubling time for Liesel, and she spends it gathering small, meaningful gifts for him, and praying almost nonstop. I think that this event is important because it tested Liesel's strength, and gave her a small taste of the pain that is yet to come. -
The Air Raids Begin, and Max Vanishes
All of Mulching is preparing for the inevitable air raids that will soon rock their town. So, when the sirens go off, Liesel and her foster family cram into one of the shelters, and wait it out. They get lucky, and the bombs never actually come. The next time, however, another part of Mulching IS bombed, and Max leaves, deciding that he posses too much of a risk to the Mubermann's, which deeply saddens Liesel. I think that this is important because it is the beginning of the end for Mulching. -
Everyone Liesel Knows Dies
Liesel soon takes up writing a book. One night, while all of Himmel Street is sleeping, the bombs hit. Liesel remains safe, but everyone she knows dies. Horribly hurt by this, she looks through the rubble, and finds the blasted body of Rudy. In her grief, she finally gives him that kiss he was always asking for. I think that this event is important because it wraps up Liesel's time on Himmel Street, and the story that Death was telling. It is also when her time with her friends and family die.